Sip & Stay: The Best Wineries to Visit While Staying at Little Villa Hermanus

When you stay at Little Villa Hermanus, you’re not just booking a beautiful coastal escape – you’re placing yourself right at the doorstep of one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine regions: the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

This cool-climate valley – whose name means Heaven and Earth – is just a short scenic drive from the villa and offers an unforgettable mix of boutique wineries, lush mountain views, and world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Here’s our curated list of must-visit wineries while staying at Little Villa:

1. Creation Wines

For: Wine & food pairings with a view

Perched high on a hill with sweeping views of the valley, Creation is a favourite for a reason. Their seasonal tasting menus pair perfectly with their elegant wines, and the hospitality is as warm as the setting is beautiful. Think slow lunches, fresh produce, and some of the finest Chardonnays in the region.

🕒 Bookings recommended
🚗 ~20-minute drive from Little Villa

2. Hamilton Russell Vineyards

For: Heritage and world-class Pinot Noir

One of the oldest and most iconic wineries in the Hemel-en-Aarde, Hamilton Russell is famous for putting South African Pinot Noir on the map. The tasting room is quaint and charming, nestled between trees and overlooking the vineyards – ideal for a quiet, contemplative glass.

🍷 Try: The Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
🚗 ~15-minute drive from Little Villa

3. Ataraxia Wines

For: Architecture & atmosphere

Set in a striking chapel-like building atop a hill, Ataraxia feels like a spiritual wine experience (and not just because of the setting). The tasting room has one of the best panoramic views in the valley, and their wines are as refined as the design.

🌿 Bonus: The garden setting is perfect for a little mid-morning pause
🚗 ~18-minute drive from Little Villa

4. Newton Johnson Wines

For: Award-winning wines & elevated dining

Family-owned and incredibly well-respected, Newton Johnson offers some of the most expressive cool-climate wines in the valley. Their on-site restaurant, The Restaurant at Newton Johnson, is also a foodie highlight – seasonal, elegant, and always delicious.

🥂 Ideal for: A wine-tasting followed by a long, lazy lunch
🚗 ~17-minute drive from Little Villa

5. Spookfontein Wines

For: Laidback vibes & stunning design

If you’re after a more relaxed, contemporary experience, Spookfontein is the one. With a modern tasting room, forested surroundings, and a menu that combines bistro favorites with local flair, it’s perfect for a spontaneous afternoon visit.

🌅 Best enjoyed on the deck at sunset
🚗 ~20-minute drive from Little Villa

Planning Your Wine Day from Little Villa

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just in it for the views and vibes, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley offers something special. From your base at Little Villa, it’s easy to explore the valley at your own pace – stop, sip, linger, repeat.

And the best part? After a full day of tasting, you get to come home to a quiet garden, a soft bed, and the sound of the sea in the distance.

‍

With Love,

Nicolette Vorster

Custodian of Little Villa